Junior campers at Oak Crest in Edison, NJ, enjoy a dynamic array of activities such as Archery, Mountain Biking, Lacrosse, High Ropes, BMX, Skatepark, Camper vs. Wild (pioneering), and more. Their schedule includes a diverse range of athletic and creative pursuits, including Instructional Swim and the Climbing Tower. An exclusive benefit for Junior campers is the Late Night program, which offers the opportunity to extend their stay for a special dinner, additional swim time, extra games, a unique event, and a twilight campfire featuring delicious S’mores.
Our Junior program in Edison, New Jersey, offers a diverse range of athletic activities conducted on full-size fields. Weekly schedules include Soccer, Football, Tennis, Lacrosse, Archery, Basketball, Hockey, and more. In addition, juniors can partake in our Skate Park and Mountain Biking Program, which are led by Athletic Specialists. These sessions include skill instruction followed by games to reinforce the newly acquired skills. Oak Crest counselors actively participate, assisting specialists in creating meaningful opportunities for campers to succeed.
At the Junior level, we introduce League Play, where groups engage in Soccer, Handball, Football, and Dodgeball. The activities and opponents rotate weekly, providing a dynamic and competitive experience for our campers.
Your child will have the opportunity to explore a wide range of artistic activities led by experienced art teachers in air-conditioned classrooms in Edison, NJ. Our campers actively engage in weekly activities such as Ceramics, Music, Mad Science, Cooking, Drama, Nature, Camper vs. Wild, Dance, Digital Photography, Jewelry Making, Computers, and more.
Moreover, all Junior Girl groups have the chance to showcase their talents in a dance routine during our annual event, Showcrest. This grand Dance and Drama Production, held during the sixth week of camp at a local venue in the evening, features professional sound and lighting, creating a significant and memorable experience for our campers.
At Oak Crest, our Learn to Swim Program is a cornerstone of the Oak Crest experience. Located in our state-of-the-art aquatic facility in Edison, NJ, our swimming facilities are second to none. Our 3rd Grade Juniors have access to our recently constructed 12,000-square-foot Aquatic Complex, tailored exclusively for 3-8 year-olds. Meanwhile, our 4th grade Juniors swim in our Gigantic Pool, equipped with eight 25-meter lanes. Both facilities offer shallow water for the initial stages of swimming, allowing us to accommodate all swimmers, starting in standing depth and progressing to deeper water as their skills advance.
Each morning, our Juniors participate in a 40-minute swim lesson, led by certified swim instructors, with additional support from group counselors. Our swim lessons are skill-based rather than age-based, ensuring a challenging experience for swimmers of all levels. Our instructors undergo annual training and certification, adhering to American Red Cross standards and drawing from over 25 years of practical experience in teaching children how to swim. In the afternoon, Juniors have the opportunity for free swim in the pools.
Mastering the art of riding a bicycle represents a significant childhood milestone, and at Oak Crest in Edison, NJ, children have the perfect environment to achieve this skill in our brand new Bicycle Village. This facility boasts a 1/4 mile training course, a state-of-the-art pump track, and a mountain bike preparation trail. Beyond instilling independence, cycling imparts essential lessons in balance, posture control, coordination, and the development of motor skills. Our experienced instructors offer individualized attention, allowing novice riders to build the confidence they need. As campers advance, they can take part in our dynamic Mountain Biking Program, for which Oak Crest provides appropriately sized bikes and helmets.
In Edison, NJ, our Junior campers at Oak Crest have the unique opportunity to explore all of our challenging Ropes Courses. The Confidence Course, positioned 5 feet above the ground, allows campers to become acquainted with belaying techniques and navigate various elements similar to those found in our more advanced High Ropes Course. The Climbing Tower features two distinct rock walls, a thrilling 200-yard zip line, and an exhilarating Giant Swing. Our High Ropes course offers additional rock walls and mid-air challenges.
To ensure safety, our ropes courses undergo rigorous safety inspections and certification by the same company responsible for their construction before each season. Furthermore, our certified ropes instructors, who expertly guide groups through the courses, perform daily inspections to maintain ongoing safety standards.
In Edison, NJ, during the Choice period, Oak Crest campers have the opportunity to select an activity for the week. Every week, campers can choose a new activity from a constantly updated list. In addition to a diverse range of athletic and creative options, our Junior campers also have the option to participate in our annual Drama Production or be a part of a specific Dance routine. This annual event is known as Showcrest.
In Edison, NJ, our campers at Oak Crest engage in collaborative, communicative, and supportive interactions within their designated groups throughout the day. Our dedicated counselors play an active role in fostering an inclusive atmosphere, encouraging respectful communication and interaction among both campers and staff. Through shared experiences, these groups cultivate deep bonds and form lasting friendships. Oak Crest maintains a steadfast commitment to a zero-tolerance policy for bullying, emphasizing a nurturing environment where children acquire the emotional and social skills necessary for lifelong success.
